Replaceable cover for handheld computer

ABSTRACT

A handheld computer comprises a housing and a cover removably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly. The universal hinge assembly includes a tubular member or arm having a proximal end fixedly (non-rotatably) secured to an edge of the cover and a distal end pivotally coupled to an edge of the cover. The pivotal coupling may comprise a ball and socket arrangement, a pin and slot arrangement, or any other type of coupling arrangement that enables universal pivoting movement and releasable attachment between the cover and the housing. The cover may include a cushion designed to abut a display screen mounted in the housing when the cover is in a closed position. A method of reconfiguring an encasement of a handheld computer having a cover releasably coupled thereto includes removing the first cover and replacing it with a second cover of a different type.

REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 60/352,785, filed Jan. 29, 2002, the entirety of whichis herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of handheld computersand, more particularly, to handheld computers having encasements withreplaceable covers. The present invention also relates to a method ofreconfiguring a handheld computer by replacing the cover thereof with acover of a different type.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Handheld computers, including personal digital assistants(“PDAs”) and palm-sized computers, traditionally provide the user with awide variety of functions, such as a calendar, an address book, a tasklist, a notepad, and a calculator. More recently, handheld computershave also been used provide the user with functions such as remote emailaccess, real-time internet access, web browsing and other advancedcommunication functions.

[0004] Traditionally, most handheld computers have had an outerenclosure or housing consisting of mating front and back shells coupledtogether by screws. The front and back shells enclose the electroniccomponents of the handheld computer. A display screen and one or moreapplication buttons are typically accessible on the front shell of thecomputer. The display screen may be a touch-sensitive screen thataccepts entry from a stylus or pointer device, which typically is storedin a slot formed in the housing when not in use. More advanced handheldcomputers may also include components for enabling remote communicationfunctions such as described above.

[0005] With traditional handheld computers, a separate flexible or rigidcase is typically utilized for protecting the handheld computer, andparticularly the display screens, when not in use. The separate casemust be stored or accounted for when the computer is in use to preventloss.

[0006] With some handheld computers, a separate case is not requiredbecause the housing has a hinged cover that can be pivoted to a closedposition to protect the display and another position to access thedisplay. With most such computers, the cover is connected to the housingby a pair of hinges which permit the cover to be pivoted either 180° tothe side of the housing (i.e., in a “book open” style) or 360° to therear of the housing. With both of these arrangements, when the computeris placed on a horizontal surface the housing is oriented such that thedisplay and application buttons typically face directly upward. This canbe disadvantageous because the display and application buttons areplaced at an awkward angle for certain uses such as video conferencing.To address this problem, it is known to provide the computer with aseparate base or cradle that can be used to position the computerhousing at an angle relative to the work surface. However, the cradlesare quite bulky compared to the handheld computers and thus createdifficulties with portability. Moreover, like the use of separateprotective cases noted above, the use of separate cradles means theymust also be stored and accounted for when not in use. Although somehandheld computers now available include pivotally attached coverscapable of not only protecting the display but also functioning as astand that positions the housing at an inclined angle relative to thework surface (which thus eliminates the need for a separate cradle), thehinge arrangements of the heretofore known computers are relativelycomplex multi-part structures.

[0007] Certain handheld computers generally have a fixed (i.e.,non-customizable) external appearance. Although this may not havepresented any concerns in the past (when handheld computers werepurchased and used almost exclusively by business traveler's and othertechnically savvy individuals), the fixed appearances can unnecessarilylimit the market potential of the handheld computers because of theirincreasing popularity with individuals having diverse backgrounds.Although after-market replacement housings are available for some of themost popular handheld computers, these replacement housings tend to bequite expensive. More importantly, the use of such replacement housingsrequires that the original housing of the handheld computer be openedup, which voids the manufacture's warranty.

[0008] It would be desirable to provide a handheld computer having anexternal appearance that can be readily customized by the manufacturer,the reseller or the consumer. It is further desirable to provide amethod for readily changing the external appearance of a handheldcomputer that does not require opening of the computer housing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention, a handheld computer comprises a housing and a coverreleasably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly.

[0010] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention, a handheld computer comprises a housing along with first andsecond covers configured for being releasably coupled to the housing.The first and second covers are of different types.

[0011] According to a further aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention, a handheld computer comprises a housing and a coverreleasably connected thereto by a universal hinge assembly. Theuniversal hinge assembly allows universal pivoting movement between thecover and the housing.

[0012] According to a different aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention, a handheld computer comprises a housing, a cover, and meansfor releasably coupling the cover to the housing. The means for couplingalso enables universal pivoting motion between the cover and thehousing.

[0013] According to another aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention, a method of reconfiguring a handheld computer is provided.The computer includes a housing and a first cover releasably coupledthereto by a universal hinge assembly. The method comprises decouplingthe first cover from the housing, and releasably coupling a second coverto the housing. The second cover is of a different type than the firstcover.

[0014] According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of the presentinvention, a handheld computer comprises a housing including a displaymounted therein and a cover pivotally connected to the housing by ahinge assembly. The cover is configured to pivot between a closedposition overlying the display and an open position that permits accessto the display. An elastomeric material is affixed to the cover andconfigured to abut the screen when the cover is in the closed position.

[0015] These and other benefits and features of embodiments of theinvention will be apparent upon consideration of the following detaileddescription of preferred embodiments thereof, presented in connectionwith the following drawings in which like reference numerals are used toidentify like elements throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016]FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of a first embodiment of ahandheld computer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention, the computer including a detachable cover shown in a fullyclosed position that protects the display screen.

[0017]FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of the handheld computer ofFIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG.1.

[0019]FIG. 4 is a right side elevation view of the handheld computer ofFIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 6 is a bottom plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 1.

[0022]FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the handheld computer of FIG.1, the cover being shown in a fully open position in which an inner faceof the cover abuts a rear face of the computer housing.

[0023]FIG. 8 is a rear, right side perspective view of the handheldcomputer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a stand position thatmaintains the computer housing at an inclined angle relative to ahorizontal surface on which the computer is placed.

[0024]FIG. 9 is a front, right side perspective view of the handheldcomputer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown during transition from thefully closed position of FIG. 1 to the stand position of FIG. 8.

[0025]FIG. 10 is a front, right side perspective view of the handheldcomputer of FIG. 1, the cover being shown in a plurality of positionsduring transition from the stand position of FIG. 8 to the fully openposition of FIG. 7.

[0026]FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the universal hinge assembly of thehandheld computer of FIG. 1, taken along the line 11-11 in FIG. 1.

[0027]FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of a replacement cover designedfor attachment to the handheld computer of FIG. 1 in place of theoriginal cover.

[0028]FIG. 13 is an exploded left side perspective view of a secondembodiment of a handheld computer in accordance with the presentinvention.

[0029]FIG. 14 is a front, left side perspective view of the handheldcomputer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a plurality of positionsduring transition from a closed position to an open position.

[0030]FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the handheld computer of FIG. 15,the cover being shown in a plurality of positions during transition fromthe closed position to the open position.

[0031]FIG. 16 is a left side perspective view of the handheld computerof FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a stand position that maintains thecomputer housing at a relatively shallow inclined angle relative to ahorizontal surface on which the computer is placed.

[0032]FIG. 17 is a front, left side perspective view of the handheldcomputer of FIG. 13, the cover being shown in a stand position thatmaintains the computer housings at a relatively large inclined anglerelative to a horizontal surface on which the computer is placed.

[0033] Before explaining a number of preferred embodiments of theinvention in detail, it should be understood that the invention is notlimited in application to the details of construction or the arrangementof components set forth in the following description or illustrated inthe drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or beingpracticed or carried out in various ways. It should also be understoodthat the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purposeof facilitating the description of the invention and should not beregarded as limiting. For example, relational terms such as “front,”“back,” “top,” “bottom,” “left,” “right,” “inner,” and “outer” are usedfor convenience only in referring to the various elements of thepreferred embodiments as shown in the drawings and as such should not beregarded as limiting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-11, a portable electronic devicesuch as, but not limited to, a handheld computer 10 is depictedaccording to an exemplary embodiment. Handheld computer 10 may includePalm style computers manufactured by Palm, Inc., of Santa Clara, Calif.Other exemplary embodiments may include Windows CE handheld computers,or other handheld computers and personal digital assistants, as well asmobile telephones and other mobile computing devices. Handheld computer10 is representative of the type of mobile device which may utilize thedisclosed invention and/or be part of the disclosed apparatus or method.Handheld computer 10 is described as a “handheld” to indicate a small,portable size as compared to less portable computing devices. Handheldcomputer 10 may be located on a desk, a lap, a wrist, a belt, or at anyother position or location.

[0035] Preferably, handheld computer 10 includes interactive hardwareand software that enables computer 10 to perform functions such asmaintaining calendars, phone lists, task lists, note pads, calculatorapplications, spreadsheets, games, and other applications capable ofrunning on a computing device. Further, handheld computer 10 may includehardware and software that enables computer 10 perform more advancedfunctions such as voice memo recording and playback, communicationsnetwork connectivity, internet connectivity, wireless messaging, e-mail,always-on e-mail, wireless telephony including video conferencing, andthe like.

[0036] To make use of these and other functions, handheld computer 10includes a plurality of input function buttons 12 and a display 14 (seeFIG. 7) mounted in an encasement 16. Display 14 may comprise a touchscreen interface that allows a user to select and alter displayedgraphical or textual information using a pointer such as a stylus 17 orsome other suitable pointing device, e.g., a pen tip or a fingertip.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, handheld computer 10 also includesnavigation buttons 18 that facilitate navigating or scrolling ofinformation displayed on display 14. Navigation buttons 18 may beprogrammed for other uses depending on the application running onhandheld computer 10. Handheld computer 10 may be configured to providea variety of wireless communications including, but not limited to,communications with the World Wide Web, mobile telephone communications,e-mail communications, video conferencing, etc.

[0038] To facilitate these and other communication functions, handheldcomputer 10 may be provided with a video camera 20, a speaker 22 and amicrophone 24. In the illustrated embodiment, video camera 20, speaker22 and microphone 24 are all mounted in encasement 16 and are thusintegral to handheld computer 10. Alternatively, each of video camera20, speaker 22 and microphone 24 may be separate from handheld computer10 and attached thereto as a separate (or peripheral) device. Handheldcomputer 10 may also include an indicator light 30 that is integratedinto encasement 16 for indicating the transmission and/or reception ofwireless communication signals. Light 30 may also be used to indicateother states of handheld computer 10, such as calendar alarms and taskreminders.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, encasement 16 comprises agenerally rectangular housing 32 and a hinged cover 34 that isreleasably coupled to housing 32 by a universal hinge assembly 36.Housing 32 includes opposed front and rear faces 38 and 40, opposed topand bottom edges 42 and 44, and opposed left and right edges 46 and 48.Front face 38 includes a large, generally rectilinear opening 49 thatprovides both visual and physical access to display screen 14. Frontface 38 also includes a plurality of smaller openings which permitaccess to other elements of computer 10 such as input buttons 12,navigation buttons 18, camera 20, speaker 22, microphone 24 and statuslight 30.

[0040] As best seen in FIG. 1, detachable cover 34 may comprise agenerally flat, rectilinear plate that is configured to overlie (andthus protect) display screen 14 when in the closed position. If desired,cover 34 could be configured to protect additional elements of computer10 such as input buttons 12, navigation buttons 18, camera 20, speaker22, microphone 24, status light 30, and the like. As best seen in FIGS.1 and 8-10, cover 34 includes opposed inner and outer surfaces 50 and52, opposed relatively short top and bottom edges 54 and 56, and opposedrelatively long left and right side edges 58 and 60.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, an elastomeric material 55 (see FIG.8) may be provided on one or both of inner and outer surfaces 50 and 52of cover 34. In FIGS. 8 and 9, elastomeric material 55 is affixed toinner surface 50 of cover 34 in the shape of an “X”. If desired, thelegs of the X-shaped material 55 on inner surface 50 may extend over thetop and bottom edges 54 and 56 of cover 34 to provide a soft rubber-likefoot 57 adjacent each of the four corners of outer surface 52 of cover34 (see FIGS. 1 and 8). By providing elastomeric material 55 on both theinner and outer surfaces 50 and 52 of cover 34, a number of functionsare provided. For example, the X-shaped material 55 on inner surface 50of cover 34 functions to protect display 14 when cover 34 is in theclosed position of FIG. 1. Moreover, the X-shaped material 55 functionsto improve the feel of the closing action by cushioning any impactbetween cover 34 and display 14. In addition, material 55 enhances thegrip of cover 34 on horizontal surface 68 when placed in the standposition of FIG. 8. The plurality of feet 57 on outer surface 52 ofcover 34 provide a similar function (i.e., improved grip and stability)when computer 10 is place on surface 68 with cover 34 in the fully openposition of FIG. 7. Material 55 may be made from any suitableelastomeric material such as a rubber or a soft PVC. Although material55 is shown in the shape of an “X”, other shapes can be utilizedincluding but not limited to “L” shaped, rectangular shaped, curvilinearsegments, arcs and the like.

[0042] As previously noted, cover 34 is both pivotally and releasablyconnected to housing 32 by universal hinge assembly 36. In an exemplaryembodiment, universal hinge assembly 36 may comprise a single, generallytubular member (or arm) 62 having a proximal end 64 (see FIG. 11)attached to the approximate midpoint of bottom edge 44 of housing 32 anda distal end 66 attached to the approximate midpoint of bottom edge 56of cover 34. Hinge assembly 36 preferably enables cover 34 to pivotbetween at least three different positions: a fully closed position (seeFIG. 1), a stand position (see FIG. 8), and a fully open position (seeFIG. 7). The cover may also provide a different function in eachposition. For example, in the fully closed position (see FIG. 1), cover34 overlies display screen 14 to protect it from damage. In the standposition (see FIG. 8), cover 34 functions as an outrigger that maintainshousing 32 at an inclined angle relative to a horizontal worksurface 68on which computer 10 is placed. In the fully open position (see FIG. 7),cover 34 (not visible in FIG. 7) is located behind computer 10 withinner surface 50 facing toward and abutting (or closely adjacent) rearface 40 of housing 32. In this position, cover 34 allows access todisplay 14 and also acts to stabilize housing 32 when computer 10 isplaced on a flat surface such as horizontal surface 68.

[0043] Referring now to FIG. 9, cover 34 is shown during transition fromthe closed position of FIG. 1 to the stand position of FIG. 8. Duringthis transition, cover 34 is pivoted about an axis 70 extending alongbottom edge 44 of housing 32 as indicated by an arrow 72. When cover 34is in the stand position of FIG. 8, the outer curved surface of arm 62will abut the inner wall (i.e., bottom) of a curved groove 74 (see FIGS.3 and 8) formed in rear face 40 of housing 32, which thus prevents anyfurther movement of cover 34 about axis 70 in the direction of arrow 72.Thus, cover 34 in the stand position of FIG. 8 will function as anoutrigger that maintains housing 32 at an inclined angle relative tohorizontal worksurface surface 68.

[0044] To move cover 34 from the stand position of FIG. 8 to the fullyopen position of FIG. 7, cover 34 is pivoted about axis 70 against thedirection of arrow 72 until arm 62 is sufficiently clear of curvedgroove 74. Once this is done, cover 34 may be rotated (as indicated byarrow 73) approximately 180° about an axis 71 that extendslongitudinally through arm 62. With cover 34 in this new orientation, itcan once again be pivoted about axis 70 (as indicated by an arrow 75)until inner surface 50 of cover 34 abuts (or is closely adjacent) rearface 40 of housing 32 and cover 34 is in the fully open position of FIG.7. When cover 34 is in the fully open position, handheld computer 10will have a sufficiently compact footprint that it can be easily held ina user's hand and/or utilized on a surface with only limited availableworking space.

[0045] As best seen in FIG. 11, proximal end 64 of tubular arm 62 may beattached to bottom edge 44 of housing 32 by a ball and socketarrangement 76. Ball and socket arrangement 76 is particularlyadvantageous in that it allows universal pivoting motion (i.e.,swiveling motion in all directions) between cover 34 and housing 32.Ball and socket arrangement 76 also allows cover 34 to be quickly andeasily detached from and reattached to housing 32 without requiring anytools.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, ball and socket arrangement 76comprises a generally spherical ball 78 located on proximal end 64 ofarm 62 and a corresponding socket 80 located on bottom edge 44 ofhousing 32. Alternatively, socket 80 could be located on side edge 46 or48 of housing 32 or top edge 42. Regardless of its location, socket 80may include a pair of slidably mounted pads (or pistons) 82 and 84 (bestseen in FIG. 11) that laterally oppose each other and are biasedinwardly against ball 78 by a pair of springs or other suitable biasingmeans. In an exemplary embodiment, pads 82 and 84 may include inwardlyfacing concave surfaces 83 and 85, respectively, designed to match thegenerally spherical outer surface of ball 78. Concave surfaces 83 and 85help to ensure that ball 78 remains securely captured between pads 82and 84 during pivotal movement of cover 34. If desired, ball 78 and/orsocket 80 may be non-spherically shaped so that cover 34 has a naturalbias toward one or more predefined positions. In addition, ball 78 mayhave one or more depressed or flattened regions formed thereon so thatcover 34 has a tendency to remain in one or more of the predefinedpositions. If housing 32 is particularly thin, or where desired forother reasons, bottom edge 44 of housing 32 may be provided with a pairof enlarged regions (or ball surrounds) 86 and 88 to better accommodatepads 82 and 84, respectively, and their associated springs.

[0047] With the foregoing structure, cover 34 can be quickly and easilydetached from housing 32 by applying a downward force on cover 34sufficient to cause pads 82 and 84 to separate far enough apart thatball 78 snaps out of socket 80. Once this occurs, pads 82 and 84 willreconverge towards one another (due to the spring biasing meansmentioned above) until they either abut each other or some otherpredefined stop.

[0048] After cover 34 has been removed, a replacement cover of adifferent type (or some other element or device) can be quickly andeasily attached to housing 32 in place of cover 34. The replacementcover or other element may differ from cover 34 in terms of itsappearance (i.e., shape and indicia) and/or function it provides. Theindicia of the replacement cover or other element may include patterns,colors or textures, as well as pictorial, graphic or relief images,designed to appeal to a particular individual or group of individuals.For example, such indicia could include specific business identifiers,sports team identifiers, school identifiers, personal names or initials,logos, designs, as well as combinations thereof. In an exemplaryembodiment illustrated in FIG. 12, a replacement cover 34′ includes aspiral design on its outer surface 52′.

[0049] Replacement cover 34′ (or another element) may be attached tocomputer housing 32 by simply reversing the detaching steps describedabove. In particular, cover 34′ may be attached to housing 32 bypositioning ball 78′ below socket 80 and applying an upward force oncover 34′ sufficient force to cause pads 82 and 84 to separate farenough apart to accept ball 78′ therebetween. As best seen in FIG. 11,pads 82 and 84 may be provided with ramps (or cams) 90 and 92,respectively, which facilitate separation (i.e., outward movement) ofpads 82 and 84.

[0050] Referring now to FIGS. 13-17, a second embodiment of a handheldcomputer 110 is shown. For brevity, the description of handheld computer110 will be generally limited to its differences relative to handheldcomputer 10 described above. For convenience, elements of handheldcomputer 110 that are substantially similar to corresponding elements ofhandheld computer 10 will be identified by the same reference numeralsbut preceded by a “1”.

[0051] Handheld computer 110 differs from handheld computer 10 describedabove in that a cover 134 is releasably and pivotally coupled to ahousing 132 by a double-jointed hinge arrangement 176 (instead of theball and socket arrangement). In an exemplary embodiment, double-jointedhinge arrangement 176 comprises a generally T-shaped arm 162 having aproximal end 164 attached to a left edge 146 of housing 132 and a distalend 166 attached to a left edge 158 of cover 134. As indicated by arrow179 in FIG. 13, proximal end 164 of arm 162 includes a pin (or rod) 178that slidably engages a corresponding slot 180 formed in left edge 146of housing 132 to form a first joint of hinge assembly 176. As indicatedby arrow 172 in FIG. 14, the first joint permits cover 134 to pivotabout a vertical axis 170 extending generally along left edge 146 ofhousing 132. As indicated by arrow 173 in FIG. 14, a second joint 181 ofhinge assembly 176 may be formed midway along the length of tubular arm162 to permit cover 134 to rotate about a horizontal axis 171 extendinggenerally longitudinally through arm 162.

[0052] With the forgoing double-jointed attachment structure, cover 134can be pivoted in a universal motion (i.e., swiveled in all directions)to a number of different positions to provide several distinctfunctions. For example, FIG. 15 shows a cover 134A in a closed positionfor protecting a display screen 114. In addition, FIG. 15 shows a cover134B in a book open position for working on a flat worksurface. Startingfrom the closed position, the book open position can be achieved bypivoting the cover 180° outwardly about vertical axis 170 in thedirection of arrow 172. Additionally, FIG. 15 shows a cover 134C in avideo viewing position which positions housing 132 at a relatively steepangle relative to a horizontal work surface 168 for enhancing watchingof video (see also FIG. 17). Starting from the book open position, thevideo viewing position can be achieved by pivoting the coverapproximately 180° about horizontal axis 171 (as shown by arrow 173 inFIG. 14) and then rotating the cover about vertical axis 170 (as shownby arrow 172) until cover 134C extends generally perpendicular tohousing 132. As another example, FIG. 16 shows a cover 134D in anoblique working angle position in which housing 132 is maintained at arelatively shallow angle relative to horizontal work surface 168 (seealso FIG. 15) by cover 134D. Starting from the video viewing position,the oblique working angle position can be achieved by flipping cover134C an additional 90° on horizontal axis 171. Finally, FIG. 15 shows acover 134E in a fully open position that is particularly useful whencomputer 110 is to be held in a user's hand or placed on a desk withlimited working space. Starting from the oblique working angle position,the fully open position can be achieved by flipping the coverapproximately 90° on horizontal axis 171 (as shown by arrow 173) andfurther rotating the cover about vertical axis 170 (as shown by arrow172) until inner surface 152 abuts (or closely conforms to) rear face140 of housing 132.

[0053] An exemplary embodiment may utilize, be executed by, and/or beapplied in a handheld computer including a processor such as but notlimited to a Dragonball processor running at clock speeds of 33 MHz, 66MHz, or other clock speeds, the Dragonball processor being availablefrom Motorola Inc. of Schaumburg, Ill. An exemplary handheld computermay also include, but is not limited to, four (4) megabytes (MB) offlash read only memory (ROM) for storing BIOS information, operatingsystem information, and other information. The flash ROM may be used tostore, but is not limited to, any of a number of versions of the Palmoperating system (OS) available from Palm, Inc. of Santa Clara, Calif.Further, an exemplary handheld computer may also include, but is notlimited to, thirty-two (32) MB of synchronous dynamic random accessmemory (SDRAM) for storing program information, and other information tobe used by the handheld computer. In an alternative embodiment, thehandheld computer may also use a digital signal processor including anadvanced RISC machine (ARM) processor available from Texas Instrumentsof Dallas, Tex. and may use, but is not limited to, a Linux basedoperating system.

[0054] It is important to note that the above-described preferredembodiments of the encasements for handheld computers are illustrativeonly. Although the invention has been described in conjunction withspecific embodiments thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat numerous modifications are possible without materially departingfrom the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter describedherein. For example, although the covers are illustrated as beinggenerally rectangular flat plates, the covers could have otherconfigurations. Additionally, although only two joint structures weredescribed and illustrated above for coupling the covers to the housings,additional joint structures could be used. Accordingly, these and allother such modifications are intended to be included within the scope ofthe present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; and acover releasably connected to the housing by a universal hinge assembly.2. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the universal hingeassembly allows universal pivotal motion between the cover and thehousing.
 3. The handheld computer of claim 1, wherein the cover has aninner surface that faces a display screen when the cover is in a closedposition, and wherein the inner surface of the cover faces a rear faceof the housing when the cover is in an open position.
 4. The handheldcomputer of claim 1, wherein the cover has an inner surface that faces adisplay screen when the cover is in a closed position, and wherein theinner surface of the cover engages a horizontal work surface when thecover is in a stand position that maintains the housing at an inclinedangle relative to the work surface.
 5. The handheld computer of claim 1,wherein the universal hinge assembly comprises a ball and socketarrangement.
 6. The handheld computer of claim 5, wherein the ball andsocket arrangement includes a ball connected to the cover and acorresponding socket formed in an edge of the housing.
 7. The handheldcomputer of claim 6, further including a pair of movable pads locatedwithin the socket on opposite sides of the ball for releasably receivingthe ball therebetween.
 8. The handheld computer of claim 7, wherein thepads are resiliently biased inwardly against the ball.
 9. The handheldcomputer of claim 6, wherein the ball has a non-spherical outer surface.10. The handheld computer of claim 6, wherein the ball has an outersurface including one or more depressions.
 11. The handheld computer ofclaim 1, wherein the universal hinge assembly comprises a pin and slotarrangement.
 12. The handheld computer of claim 11, wherein the pin andslot arrangement includes a pin connected to the cover and acorresponding slot formed in an edge of the housing.
 13. The handheldcomputer of claim 1, wherein the universal hinge assembly includes atubular member fixedly coupled to a first edge of the cover andpivotally coupled to a second edge of the housing.
 14. The handheldcomputer of claim 13, wherein the pivotal coupling is provided by a balland socket arrangement.
 15. The handheld computer of claim 14, whereinthe ball and socket arrangement includes a ball provided on a distal endof the tubular member and a corresponding socket provided in the secondedge of the housing.
 16. The handheld computer of claim 13, wherein thepivotal coupling is formed by a pin and slot arrangement.
 17. Thehandheld computer of claim 16, wherein the pin and slot arrangementincludes a pin provided on a distal end of the tubular member and acorresponding slot provided in the second edge of the housing.
 18. Ahandheld computer, comprising: a housing; a first cover configured forreleasable coupling to the housing; and a second cover configured forreleasable coupling to the housing, wherein the first and second coversare of different types and one of the first and second covers isreleasably coupled to the housing.
 19. The handheld computer of claim18, wherein the first and second covers differ from each other by havingdifferent indicia on outer surfaces thereof.
 20. The handheld computerof claim 19, wherein the indicia on the outer surfaces of the first andsecond covers are selected from colors, patterns, textures, designs,pictorial images, graphic image, relief image, and combinations thereof.21. The handheld computer of claim 19, wherein the indicia on the outersurfaces of the first and second covers are selected from businessidentifiers, sports team identifiers, educational school identifiers,names or initials, logos, and combinations thereof.
 22. A handheldcomputer, comprising: a housing; and a cover releasably connected to thehousing by a hinge assembly that allows universal pivoting movementbetween the cover and the housing.
 23. The handheld computer of claim22, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a ball and socket arrangement.24. The handheld computer of claim 23, wherein the ball and socketarrangement includes a ball provided on a distal end of a tubular memberattached to the cover and a corresponding socket provided in an edge ofthe housing.
 25. The handheld computer of claim 24, wherein the socketincludes a pair of pads slidably mounted in the socket on opposite sidesof the ball and biased into contact therewith.
 26. The handheld computerof claim 22, wherein the hinge assembly comprises a pin and slotarrangement.
 27. The handheld computer of claim 26, wherein the pin andslot arrangement includes a pin provided on a distal end of a tubularmember attached to the cover and a corresponding slot provided in anedge of the housing.
 28. A handheld computer, comprising: a housing; acover; and means for releasably coupling the cover to the housing toprovide universal pivoting motion between the cover and the housing. 29.The handheld computer of claim 28, wherein the coupling means comprisesa ball and socket arrangement.
 30. The handheld computer of claim 29,wherein the ball and socket arrangement includes a ball provided on adistal end of a tubular member attached to the cover and a correspondingsocket provided in an edge of the housing.
 31. The handheld computer ofclaim 30, wherein the socket includes a pair of pads slidably mounted inthe socket on opposite sides of the ball and biased into contacttherewith.
 32. The handheld computer of claim 28, wherein the couplingmeans comprises a rod and groove arrangement.
 33. The handheld computerof claim 32, wherein the rod and groove arrangement includes a rodprovided on a distal end of a tubular member attached to the cover and acorresponding groove provided in an edge of the housing.
 34. A method ofreconfiguring a handheld computer, the computer including a housing anda first cover releasably coupled thereto by a universal hinge assembly,the method comprising: decoupling the first cover from the housing; andreleasably coupling a second cover to the housing, the second coverbeing of a different type than the first cover.
 35. The method of claim34, wherein the decoupling and coupling steps are accomplished by movingthe cover in a direction substantially transverse to an edge of thehousing.
 36. The method claim 35, wherein the universal hinge assemblycomprises a ball connected to an edge of the cover and a socket formedon an edge of the housing, the decoupling and coupling steps beingaccomplished by snapping the ball into the socket.
 37. The method ofclaim 34, wherein the decoupling and coupling steps are accomplished bymoving the cover in a direction substantially parallel to an edge of thehousing.
 38. The method claim 37, wherein the universal hinge assemblycomprises a pin connected to an edge of the cover and a groove formedalong an edge of the housing, the decoupling and coupling steps beingaccomplished by sliding the pin into the groove.
 39. A handheldcomputer, comprising: a housing including a display mounted therein; acover pivotally connected to the housing by a hinge assembly, the coverconfigured to pivot between a closed position overlying the display andan open position that permits access to the display; and an elastomericmaterial affixed to the cover and configured to abut the screen when thecover is in the closed position.
 40. The method claim 39, wherein theelastomeric material is affixed to an inner face of the cover.
 41. Themethod claim 40, wherein the elastomeric material is affixed to theinner face in the shape of an X.
 42. The method claim 40, wherein theinner face of the cover has a generally rectangular profile and theX-shaped elastomeric material extends to proximate at least one corner.43. The method claim 40, further including a plurality of feet on anouter surface of the cover.
 44. The method claim 43, wherein theplurality of feet are made from the elastomeric material.
 45. The methodclaim 43, wherein the outer face of the cover has a generallyrectangular profile and the feet are provided proximate at least onecover.